NCT07033195 · CognifiSense Inc.
Virtual Reality Treatment for Adults With Chronic Back Pain (VRNT)
What this study is about
Participants with chronic back pain will complete an online Qualtrics eligibility survey. After signing a consent form, eligible participants enter a two-week baseline period ("Baseline Period"), during which they complete two assessments of the Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures and Potential Mediators.
View original scientific description
Participants with chronic back pain will complete an online Qualtrics eligibility survey. After signing a consent form, eligible participants enter a two-week baseline period ("Baseline Period"), during which they complete two assessments of the Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures and Potential Mediators. After the baseline period, participants are randomized into a Virtual Reality group: VR Distraction-based Therapy or VR Skills-based Therapy, with a 1:1 allocation ratio of participants to each treatment. Both groups receive education on pain neuroscience and complete training on the use of the VR hardware and software. Next, both groups complete an intervention for 8 weeks ("Treatment Period"), after which they return the VR equipment. Several surveys are administered online during the Treatment Period. After the Treatment Period, both groups complete three post-treatment surveys at weeks 8, 20, and 32.
Interventions
DEVICE
Skills-based Virtual Reality Therapy
1. A 34-minute education video session on the science behind chronic pain and the scientific principles of the therapy. 2. VR skills-based therapy: a virtual reality therapy consisting of different psychological training exercises
DEVICE
Distraction-based Virtual Reality Therapy
1\. A 7-minute education video session on the science behind pain-focused attention and distraction. 2. VR distraction-based therapy: a virtual reality therapy that encourages passive attention and minimizes external cognitive demands.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Pain Intensity and Interference
Time frame: Change from pre-treatment to post-treatment = 8 weeks
Brief Pain Inventory-short form (BPI-SF). Measured on a Scale of 0 to 10, 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Men and women aged 18 to 85.
- Self-reported diagnosis of chronic low back pain without radicular symptoms.
- Chronic low back pain duration of 6 months or more, and pain at least half the days in the last 6 months.
- Lower back pain as primary chronic pain complaint (greater than pain in other bodily regions).
- Average pain intensity of 4 or more out of 10 for the past week (from BPI-SF).
- English fluency (8th grade level).
- Willing to comply with study procedures/restrictions.
- Access to Wi-Fi.
- Implicit de facto internet and computer literacy.
Exclusion criteria
- Applicants, who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Back pain associated with compensation / litigation within 1 year.
- Leg pain greater than back pain (suggests neuropathic pain; may be less responsive to psychological therapy).
- Chronic pain other than chronic back pain.
- Diagnoses of schizophrenia, multiple personality dissociative identity disorder.
- History of major depressive disorder not controlled with medication or other conditions that produce significant cognitive or emotional disability.
- History of substance abuse.
- Inability to undergo MRI (determined at screening; see XVI: Risks to Participants).
- Any clinically significant unstable medical abnormality or acute or chronic disease of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), hepatic, or renal systems; including: history of cardiovascular disease or issues (e.g., recent heart attack), stroke; brain surgery, or brain tumor; Diabetes; cancer (last 12 months); diagnosis of a specific inflammatory disorder: rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, scleroderma, Lupus; polymyositis; or Cauda Equina syndrome.
- History of seizure disorder, epilepsy, convulsions, or increased intracranial pressure anytime except pediatric febrile seizures.
- History of vertigo, dizziness, susceptibility to motion sickness
- History of head injury within 6 months,
- Unexplained, unintended weight loss of 'â• 20 lbs in past year. Self-reported history of (digital) eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Unable or unwilling to meet study attendance requirements. MRI contraindications as determined by MRI safety screen (e.g., pregnancy, metal in body, claustrophobia, using the standard screen conducted by the MRI imaging facility).
Where
- Boulder, Colorado
Collaborators
University of Colorado, Boulder
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations